Media Release | 5 November 2025 

Red Nose Australia supports regulation of unregistered birth workers to protect mothers and babies 

Red Nose Australia supports health authorities and peak medical bodies in calling for greater regulation of doulas and other unregistered birth workers, following tragic deaths of mothers and babies linked to unassisted or unregulated births. 

As Australia’s leading organisation dedicated to safer pregnancy, the prevention of sudden and unexpected deaths in infancy and the support of grieving families, Red Nose believes every family deserves a safe birth and access to appropriately trained and regulated care providers. 

Red Nose welcomes the announcement by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) who are calling on Commonwealth and state and territory ministers to consider tightening the parameters around regulation.

“We support the steps being taken by regulators to ensure safety standards are consistent across Australia,” Red Nose CEO Amy Cooper said. 

“It is critical that families understand the difference between registered healthcare professionals, who are trained, insured and accountable, and unregulated birth workers who are not,” Ms Cooper said. 

At the same time, Red Nose emphasises the need to ensure that all families feel heard, respected, and supported within the maternity care system. 

“We know that some women turn to unregulated birth options because they have felt dismissed, disempowered, or traumatised in previous birth experiences,” Ms Cooper said. “That’s why we need to continue improving access to compassionate, evidence-based maternity care. One consideration could be to include publicly funded homebirth programs and continuity of midwifery care. This could help ensure every woman feels safe and supported, wherever they give birth.” 

 Red Nose extended its condolences to the families affected by recent tragedies, including those of mothers who have died following freebirths or unassisted births. 

“Our hearts are with the families mourning these losses,” Ms Cooper said. 

“No family should experience the death of a mother or baby.  Regulation, education, and compassion must go hand in hand to keep families safe,” Ms Cooper said.

 “We know that some women turn to unregulated birth options because they have felt dismissed, disempowered, or traumatised in previous birth experiences,” Ms Cooper said. 

“That’s why we need to continue improving access to compassionate, evidence-based maternity care. One consideration could be to include publicly funded homebirth programs and continuity of midwifery care. This could help ensure every woman feels safe and supported, wherever they give birth.” 

Red Nose’s Board Member and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Professor Craig Pennell highlights the need for greater regulation. 

“Clinical decisions and care during labour and birth should only ever be provided by registered midwives or medical practitioners, in consultation with the birthing parent” said Professor Pennell.  

“While doulas can play an important role in providing emotional support to women before, during, and after birth, there must be clear boundaries between supportive care and clinical practice,” said Professor Craig Pennell. 

About Red Nose  

Red Nose is Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep, safer pregnancy, and bereavement support for families who experience the devastating death of a baby or child.  

For spokespeople and family interviews, please contact media: Fiona Jordan  at marketingrequests@rednose.org.au or call 0402 846 867.